The Maryland Tourism Council awarded two prestigious industry awards to St. Mary’s County’s Division of Tourism for its “Celebrate 375” campaign. Carolyn Laray, Manager, Tourism Development, received the awards at the 29th Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit on Nov. 5. The first award, the Cooperative Promotion Award for an Integrated Campaign or Continuing Program, honors promotions which incorporate a variety of marketing activities over a sustained period of time. The second award was for the best visitor’s guide. The competition for the awards was stiff and the winners were selected from nominations throughout Maryland.
“I am proud of the efforts by our staff,” said County Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell. “Tourism is an important part of our economy. This recognition by the Maryland Tourism Council is appreciated and well-deserved. We share these awards with the hundreds of folks in our county and state that worked together to share our story with visitors,” said County Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell.
The county’s Celebrate 375 Campaign capitalized on the 375th anniversary of Maryland to increase visitation to St. Mary’s County where Maryland began. English colonists landed at St. Clement’s Island in 1634 and established Maryland’s first colony and capital at St. Mary’s City. The campaign included over sixty local tourism and hospitality industry partners participating in a variety of programs which included contests, discount cards, children’s programs, electronic and social media and events throughout the year.
The 2009 visitor and relocation guide, “Discover St. Mary’s County” was produced by the Division in conjunction with Maryland Life Magazine and Historic St. Mary’s City. 75,000 copies of the guide have been distributed locally, regionally and throughout the world. An electronic version of the guide as well as the 375 celebration activities may be viewed at the campaign’s dedicated website: www.maryland375.com.
Website visitors can sign up for newsletters, check out shopping, dining and lodging promotions and learn about events and activities. The website has received over 1.6 million hits to date. The campaign also helped to increase visitation to St. Mary’s County’s sites and attractions by 21% while the county Welcome Center reported an increase of 32% according to Laray. “Through the campaign and the special commemorative visitors guide, we made huge strides in increasing awareness of our county’s significant role in Maryland’s history, but more importantly, they are great tools that are helping us get the word out about what a fabulous place St. Mary’s is to visit and even relocate.”
The Celebrate 375 campaign continues through the end of the year and will continue to be marked at several events throughout the county. For more information about St. Mary’s County’s Celebrate 375 campaign or the county’s tourism efforts, contact the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1404 or visit www.Maryland375.com. Plans are currently underway for the 2010 Visitor/Relocation Guide.